Digital Technologies Around the World

This study discusses how digital technologies have spread rapidly in much of the world. Digital dividends—that is, the broader development benefits from using these technologies—have lagged behind. In many instances, digital technologies have boosted growth, expanded opportunities, and improved service delivery. Yet their aggregate impact has fallen short and is unevenly distributed. The study states that for digital technologies to benefit everyone everywhere it requires closing the remaining digital divide, especially in internet access. But greater digital adoption will not be enough. To get the most out of the digital revolution, countries also need to work on the “analog complements”—by strengthening regulations that ensure competition among businesses, by adapting workers’ skills to the demands of the new economy, and by ensuring that institutions are accountable.

World Bank Group (2016). World development report 2016: Digital dividends. Washington, D.C.: World Bank Group.

https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/23347/9781464806711.pdf